Robert C Pike

Robert C. Pike ’42, 98, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Cornwall Manor Retirement Community. He was the husband of the late Muriel K, (Prutzman) Pike and father of Cynthia McGary and Douglas Pike.

Robert C. Pike, 98, died peacefully after a brief illness on December 15, 2022, at Cornwall Manor Retirement Community in Cornwall, PA, where he was a resident for 18 years. He was the husband of the late Muriel K, (Prutzman) Pike of Pottstown, PA. Robert was born in Pottstown on December 11, 1924, the son of the late E. Clyde Pike and Elsie (Guss) Pike.

He was a graduate of the Milton Hershey School where he was involved in the music program. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II and became a submarine radio operator aboard the USS Devilfish, primarily stationed in the Western Pacific. Following his naval service, Robert was called to the ministry and attended Albright College and the Lancaster Theological Seminary where he received his Masters of Divinity. He was then ordained as a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. Reverend Pike served as pastor of the following United Methodist Churches: Mt. Carmel, Mt. Joy/Salunga, Drexel Hill, Fairless Hills, Fox Chase, Glenside, and Holy Cross in Reading. He retired in 1987 and then worked 17 years for Bean Funeral Homes in the Reading area. Robert was a Rotarian for many years and served on the board of the Reading Children’s Home, Board of Directors of the Reading NW Neighborhood Ministries, Board of Directors of the Reading Nurses Association, and served as president of the Greater Reading Council of Churches. His many hobbies included travel, playing the trumpet, stargazing, golf, and chess. He also obtained his private pilot’s license in 1975.

He is survived by a daughter, Cynthia McGary, wife of Jeffrey McGary, Lancaster, PA; a son, Douglas Pike, husband of Kathy Pike, Blandon, PA; four grandchildren Patrick, Brad, Matthew, Meghan, and five great grandchildren Bronson, Dean, Jameson, Lawson, and Gavin. Also surviving is his sister Sylvia Marion, Boyertown, PA.

Funeral Service will be held at Bean Funeral Home, 129 East Lancaster Ave. Shillington, Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00 am. Reverend Robert Wilt will officiate. Interment with Military Honors rendered by the United States Navy Honor Guard will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Elverson. The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home Thursday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornwall Manor Benevolent Fund, PO Box 125, Cornwall, PA 17016. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com. A memorial service will be held in January 2023 at Zerr Chapel on the campus of Cornwall Manor Retirement Community, Cornwall, PA.